Today’s news in brief – 14/2/24
Your Place has completed an 18-month renovation of Chinnery House Apartments in Pimlico, London, introducing five self-catering rental units. This marks the brand’s first foray into private rentals alongside its flagship Georgian House Hotel. The family-run team, led by Gabe von der Heyde, curated a “Scandi-meets-Victorian” design while restoring historic features of the 1830s property. The apartments include modern kitchenettes, high ceilings, original windows, and warm-toned interiors. Guests can opt for breakfast hampers and room service through the Papyon App. Founder Serena von der Heyde emphasized the project’s commitment to preserving historic properties while offering stylish, affordable accommodations.
Hyatt Hotels saw a 7.8% increase in net rooms in 2024, adding 81 hotels in Q4, including notable openings like Park Hyatt London River Thames and Thompson Palm Springs. By year-end, its pipeline included 720 hotels with approximately 138,000 rooms. Despite this expansion, Hyatt reported a $56m (£44.5m) net loss in Q4, attributed to the timing of Jewish holidays and the U.S. election. However, full-year net income reached $1.2bn (£950m), driven by strong leisure and business travel. Adjusted EBITDA for the year was $1.096bn (£870m), with expectations of continued growth in 2025. CEO Mark S. Hoplamazian highlighted Hyatt’s expanding loyalty program, which now has 54 million members, and projected further revenue and portfolio growth.
UKHospitality Cymru has urged the Welsh Government to reconsider plans to tax children under the proposed Visitor Levy. Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford defended the decision, arguing exemptions would significantly reduce revenue. If approved, the tax—set to be implemented by 2027—would apply to hotels, B&Bs, and self-catering accommodations, with a reduced rate for hostels and campsites. Critics argue that charging children could add £12 per night for larger families, making domestic holidays unaffordable. UKHospitality Cymru’s David Chapman called for a “reset” of the tax, urging funds to be reinvested into sustainable tourism while protecting affordability for families.
BWH Hotels has partnered with Zero Carbon Forum to launch a carbon calculator, helping hotels measure and reduce their environmental footprint. The tool, incorporating COP 29 updates, identifies emissions sources, particularly high-impact areas like F&B. Set to launch in March, the calculator will be available to all BWH Hotels GB members. Tracy Wilkins, BWH’s operations director, emphasized guests’ increasing willingness to pay more for sustainable stays, while Zero Carbon Services CEO Mark Chapman stressed the growing demand for businesses to take meaningful climate action.
